Raleigh St. Augustine

Released by North Carolina State University in 1980, Raleigh St. Augustine is specifically bred for superior cold tolerance compared to other St. Augustine varieties. This characteristic allows it to survive freezing temperatures better, making it a highly popular lawn choice in the southeastern United States.

While it is relatively shade-tolerant, Raleigh St. Augustine thrives best when exposed to full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. Planting it in densely shaded areas can lead to a thinning lawn and increased vulnerability to fungal diseases.

Once established, Raleigh St. Augustine develops a deep root system that provides decent drought tolerance, though it performs best with consistent watering. Providing about an inch of water per week during the hot summer months will keep the turf lush and prevent it from going dormant.

While both are popular St. Augustine cultivars, Floratam was developed by the University of Florida and is highly resistant to chinch bugs, whereas Raleigh was bred in North Carolina specifically for cold tolerance. Homeowners in the Deep South often choose Floratam, while those in transitional climates prefer Raleigh.